USMNT’s Ascendancy in FIFA Rankings: Pochettino’s Impact

Mauricio Pochettino’s US Men’s National Team (USMNT) concluded the year on a high note, securing consecutive victories against Paraguay and Uruguay, with scores of 2-1 and 5-1, respectively. These impressive performances elevated the team’s ranking to 14th in the FIFA World Ranking, achieving a total of 1,681.88 points. This increase allowed them to surpass their 2026 World Cup co-hosts; Mexico fell to 15th after experiencing a draw and a loss, while Canada settled in at 27th.

Pochettino’s November window capped off a successful semester for the USMNT, characterized by an unbeaten streak of five matches, which included four victories and a single draw. In stark contrast, Mexico, managed by Javier Aguirre, faced a challenging period, enduring six consecutive matches without a win. Their last victory was in the Gold Cup final against the United States, and the subsequent decline has led to a loss of their regional dominance. As a result, the USMNT will conclude 2025 as the highest-ranked team in Concacaf.

In the global rankings, Spain maintains the top position, followed closely by world champions Argentina and France. Brazil has made a return to the top five, surpassing both Portugal and the Netherlands, while Italy has dropped out of the top ten following a significant 4-1 defeat at home to Norway.

Throughout the 21st century, the following national teams have finished the year ranked No. 1 in the FIFA standings:

– Spain: 7 times (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2025)
– Brazil: 6 times (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2022)
– Belgium: 5 times (2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)
– Argentina: 4 times (2007, 2016, 2023, 2024)
– Germany: 2 times (2014, 2017)
– France: 1 time (2001)